I didn't know if I was going to be able to run this race because A) I didn't train well and 4) I got Mastitis and a Sinus Infection the day before. Oh the pain and fear of not being able to do what I had spent the last 2 weeks convincing myself I would at least attempt. But I got the go ahead from the Doctor. If I felt good when I woke up the next morning, then it was okay to run.
So, 3 am came sooner than I wanted it to, but I was feeling well. A little tender, but well enough to head out to the course. I got up and got ready. A friend of mine picked me up and we headed out to catch our bus up the canyon. We caught the bus and because I hadn't eaten anything before I left home, I felt so sick. But my wonderful friend gave me half a cookie and I felt WAY better.
When I hopped off the bus all I could smell was SMOKE. The heaters they had were barrels burning wood. It was a little much for me that morning. It was better when we walked past them all. The 1.5 hour wait at the start line went really quickly. I was glad. And I wasn't too cold.
Then it was time to start. All I could think was, "Just finish. Walk as much as you need to. Just finish." I was feeling great and had also decided that I would try to run at least the first 8 miles.
It was exciting at the beginning of the race. There was music blaring and plenty of people ready to set PR's. It was beautiful.. The first 8 miles went by super fast because of it. Not to mention, it was downhill. It wasn't too hot. Just a PERFECT day for a race.
Me at mile 11:
I ran the 13.1 miles in 2:33:47
That made my split time 11:44/mile. I'm so glad. I just wanted to keep my mile time under 13 minutes.
I took 1913th place out of 2510.
186th out of 385 in my age group.
The goal next time: To finish in less time.
